Guide to Rear-End Car Accident Settlements
One day you’re headed to your parent’s house to have dinner with them. As you approach an intersection, the light turns green to yellow, so you start slowing down. Everything seems normal as you wait for the light to change, but that’s when it happens. Another vehicle comes up from behind you and rear-ends your car. You feel the vehicle’s impact as your head forcibly jerks forward and back. The other driver gets out of their vehicle and starts apologizing. They were texting while driving and speeding, so they didn’t notice that you stopped ahead of them.
You exchange information with them and wait til the police arrive to file a report, but it isn’t until a few days later that you notice an aching pain in your neck. At the doctor’s office, the doctor informs you that you have whiplash and some other minor injuries. You know you should file a claim but don’t know where to start. Will the settlement amount for a minor rear-end crash be worth the time and effort you put into filing a claim? If you’ve been in a rear-end car accident near Colorado Springs, read this guide to learn more about these collisions and the settlement you may be entitled to.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents?
A rear-end car accident is when the front end of one car collides with the back end of the vehicle in front of it. These collisions can lead to injuries such as whiplash, spinal cord injuries, back pain, and more.
Here are some common causes of rear-end car accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too close to the car ahead of you
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Dangerous road conditions
Determining Fault in a Rear-End Car Accident
In most situations, insurance companies will side with the front driver who got hit. This is because, due to the nature of the accident, the back driver struck the vehicle ahead of them. It is the driver’s duty to follow driving safety procedures by being a safe distance away from the car in front of them. However, there may be some cases where the front driver is at fault for the accident. For example, if the front driver was distracted and had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting something, the back driver might not have enough time to brake, thus resulting in a rear-end collision. There are many ways to determine fault in a rear-end collision, such as through evidence, police reports, and witnesses’ testimonies.
What is a Common Settlement Amount for Rear-End Car Accidents?
Every car accident case is different, so it is difficult to determine a common settlement amount for all rear-end collisions. Usually, if a settlement is a high amount, the accident is more severe. Some factors that affect your settlement amount can include lost wages, the severity of your injuries, or property damage. You can also earn compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment in life. If you suffer significant injuries that cause you to lose wages, you will likely earn a higher settlement amount than if you only sustained a few minor injuries. Negligence is also a large component of how much compensation you may receive. If the driver who hit you was careless, you could sue them for breaching their duty of care as a driver on the road.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You After a Rear-End Accident?
If you have been in a rear-end accident, working with a car accident attorney is crucial. A lawyer can help you prove fault and negligence, and they can also calculate your damages due to the collision. Additionally, your attorney can negotiate a higher settlement amount with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t agree to fair compensation for your damages, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Contact Springs Law Group Today
Rear-end accidents can create significant complications, from injuries to car damage. Even if the accident you experienced was minor, you still deserve compensation for the damages you received. The amount of settlement you earn will depend on factors specific to your case, and a lawyer can help you receive fair compensation. At Springs Law Group, we are passionate about helping our clients achieve their desired case outcomes. We understand how devastating auto accidents can be — we will be your advocates. We aim to help you win a settlement amount that will allow you to recover from the rear-end accident in peace.
Call a personal injury attorney from Springs Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.